Avondale, Arizona - After a remarkable playoff run, Ryan Blaney emerged as the NASCAR Cup Series champion for the first time in his career, solidifying his place as a rising star in the sport. Blaney's victory not only marks a turning point in his racing journey but also opens up new opportunities for him to promote NASCAR and help elevate its star power.

Blaney has always been willing to go the extra mile to promote NASCAR. From hosting a weekly podcast, "Glass Case of Emotion," to making appearances on television talk shows and radio programs outside of traditional racing media, he has been actively engaged in expanding the reach of the sport. Despite having a relatively modest racing record with only seven career wins and one year of multiple victories prior to this season, NASCAR continually highlighted Blaney's youth and potential as a marketing strategy.

However, this season has completely changed the narrative. Blaney overcame a challenging summer with struggles and slow cars to demonstrate his true potential when it mattered the most. With impressive finishes of 2nd, 1st, and 2nd in the closing races of the season, Blaney emerged as the NASCAR Cup Series champion, giving him a newfound platform to promote the sport he loves.

During a post-race interview, Blaney expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead and his commitment to being a champion who actively promotes NASCAR. He acknowledged the privilege of being a champion and emphasized the importance of utilizing that position to showcase the incredible accomplishments of the sport. Blaney's eagerness to help comes as no surprise, as he has previously participated in various projects outside of racing, such as acting in TV shows like "Magnum P.I." and "Taken," as well as being a key participant in an upcoming Netflix docuseries that will provide an inside look into his journey.

Blaney's marketability and personal attributes make him an ideal candidate to become a NASCAR star. Known for his humor, kindness, and deep racing heritage, he embodies the qualities that resonate with fans. While the Netflix docuseries is expected to showcase his transformation from a driver haunted by pressure moments to a triumphant champion, NASCAR must seize this opportunity to push Blaney into the public eye even further. To kick-start this effort, Blaney is set to embark on a series of media appearances in New York, starting Tuesday.

The recognition of Blaney's marketability comes at a crucial time for NASCAR, which has been grappling with a decline in TV ratings and a need to attract new fans. The recent Championship 4 drivers, including Blaney, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and William Byron, did not resonate strongly with mainstream sports fans. This has sparked discussions within the industry about how to bring the current generation of drivers to the same level of fame as past legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart.

NASCAR president Steve Phelps recognizes the potential of the sport's drivers and the importance of exposing them to a wider audience. While Blaney's championship win will not single-handedly address this challenge, it does offer an opportunity for NASCAR to capitalize on his success and maximize his marketability.

As Blaney prepares to embark on his new role as NASCAR Cup Series champion, the sport eagerly awaits the impact he will have on its promotion and overall star power. With his charm, talent, and desire to help elevate NASCAR, Blaney has the potential to make a lasting impact and captivate both existing and future fans.

Jeff Gluck, a seasoned reporter in the NASCAR industry, has been closely covering the sport since 2007. His in-depth knowledge and passion for the sport have made him a respected voice, and his engaging presence on social media has further solidified his status among fans.